Rice’s Gaines, McDonald named first-team All Conference USA

Rice cornerback Phillip Gaines and tight end Vance McDonald were selected first-team All Conference USA by a vote of the conference coaches.

The late-season return from injury by tight end Vance McDonald helped spark the Owls to their first bowl appearance since 2008. (Rice photo)

Gaines finished the regular season with 18 pass breakups, tied for the Football Bowl Subdivision lead.

McDonald had 35 receptions for 433 yards and two touchdowns despite missing three games with a foot injury. He was recently invited to play in the Senior Bowl.

Kicker Chris Boswell was a second-team selection. Boswell was 21-of-26 on field goals this season, including a nation-best six from 50 yards or more. He set the school record with a 57-yard field goal against Louisiana Tech and tied an NCAA record with three field goals of at least 50 yards in a late season win against SMU. He was also 42-of-44 on extra-point attempts.

Four Owls were named to the all-freshman team: running back Luke Turner, offensive lineman Caleb Williams, defensive tackle Christian Covington and punt returner Dennis Parks. The four players selected to the all-freshman team are the most for the Owls since joining the league in 2005.

The Owls (6-6) will play Air Force (6-6) in the Dec. 29 Bell Helicopter Armed Forces Bowl, the school’s first bowl appearance since 2008.